The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has entered a consent judgment against Michael DiCiurcio, a Philadelphia resident, for violations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The case was announced by Jacqueline C. Romero, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
According to the complaint, DiCiurcio operated small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), commonly known as drones, unlawfully and unsafely in the Philadelphia area from December 2019 to the present. Allegations include operating flights at night near significant landmarks such as the William Penn Statue and Liberty One Building and losing control of a drone over Philadelphia.
Despite warnings and counseling from the FAA regarding safe sUAS operations under Federal Aviation Regulations, it is alleged that DiCiurcio continued to operate drones illegally in a manner that endangered others.
On January 23, 2025, before Magistrate Judge Jose Arteaga, DiCiurcio agreed to terms including admitting to all allegations in the Verified Complaint and acknowledging violations of FAA regulations. He also agreed never to operate any sUAS within the United States or seek certification or licensing for such operations. Additionally, he will take down his YouTube channel "Philly Drone Life" and abandon surrendered sUAS items per court orders.
Chief Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg signed the consent judgment on January 29, 2025.
Deputy FAA Administrator Katie Thomson stated: “We work hard to educate people about safely flying their drones, and we don’t hesitate to take strong enforcement action when pilots deliberately flout the rules.”
U.S. Attorney Romero emphasized: “Failing to adhere to the safety requirements for flying small unmanned aircraft systems endangers people and property... Our Office is committed to ensuring total compliance with FAA regulations."
The case titled United States of America v. Michael DiCiurcio is identified as Case No. 24-0612 (E.D. Pa.) It was investigated by the FAA’s Flight Standards Division and U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General with Assistant U.S. Attorney Viveca D. Parker handling it.
All civil claims remain allegations without determination of civil liability.
